INK4a/ARF [corrected] inactivation with activation of the NF-κB/IL-6 pathway is sufficient to drive the development and growth of angiosarcoma

Cancer Res. 2012 Sep 15;72(18):4682-95. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-12-0440. Epub 2012 Jul 26.

Abstract

Although human angiosarcoma has been associated frequently with mutational inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene Ink4a/Arf, the underlying mechanisms have not been delineated. Here we report that malignant angiosarcoma is associated with high levels of RelA/NF-κB and IL-6 in contrast to normal vessels or benign hemagiomas. Studies of Ink4a/Arf deficient mice not only recapitulate genetic traits observed in human angiosarcoma, but also unveil a possible therapeutic link comprised of the NF-kB/IL-6/Stat3 signaling axis. In Ink4a/Arf(-/-) cells, NF-κB controlled Stat3 signaling by transcriptionally controlling the expression of IL-6, gp130, and Jak2. Further, IL-6 mediated Stat3 signaling through the sIL-6R. Inhibition of Ikkβ solely in myeloid cells was insufficient to block angiosarcoma development; in contrast, systemic inhibition of Ikkβ, IL-6, or Stat3 markedly inhibited angiosarcoma growth. Our findings offer clinical implications for targeting the NF-kB/IL-6/STAT3 pathway as a rational strategy to treat angiosarcoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Hemangiosarcoma / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • I-kappa B Kinase / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Tissue Array Analysis
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • NF-kappa B
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • I-kappa B Kinase